North Durham Academy P16 Prospectus

INCLUSION • PROGRESSION • EXCELLENCE

our Mission

our Vision

To provide outstanding learning and training for individuals and be recognised as a leading provider of Post 16 education.

Inclusion: To support individuals of all abilities and aspirations to fulfil their potential through learning.

Progression: To provide opportunities for all to flourish and achieve as they travel along their learning journey.

Excellence: To achieve and maintain the highest standards in everything that we do.

Welcome to the North Durham Academy 16+ prospectus. Our range of academic and vocational courses has been designed to ensure each student achieves their full potential. In partnership with our lead sponsors, New College Durham we are able to offer a wide range of 16+ options which will inspire and challenge our students. All students at North Durham Academy have a guaranteed place on one of our courses based either on the North Durham Academy campus or at New College Durham. We will work hard to ensure our students achieve the grades they need to progress onto both higher education and successful careers.

As the most senior students within the Academy our 16+ students are expected to have high standards, work hard and be excellent role models for the rest of the student population.

There are many opportunities within the

Academy for our 16+ students to develop their skills of leadership and take responsibility for their own learning. We aim to ensure that our students are fully equipped to take the next step on their learning journey and are prepared to take their place in the adult world.

If you would like to join us please complete the application form within the accompanying course booklet and return it as soon as possible.

Our 16+ students receive excellent support and guidance as they progress through the Academy. This is particularly important when students are making choices about possible careers and further study. All our students benefit from outstanding pastoral support and a full programme of advice and guidance which enables them to complete their courses successfully.

David Thornton Principal

I hope you find this prospectus useful and informative. Please come along to our information evenings and consult our website if you need more information.

www.northdurhamacademy.co.uk

Good luck!

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | PAGE 1

welcome

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | PAGE 2

Challenge AS/A2 Level Courses The Advanced level examination is in two parts: • Advanced Subsidiary (AS) – 50% of the total award; • A second examination (A2) – 50% of the total award.

Most Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level courses are modular. The AS comprises two teaching and learning modules and the A2 comprises a further two teaching and learning modules. Most students take 4 AS courses in Year 12 and continue with 3 A2 courses in Year 13. A freestanding AS qualification can be awarded at the end of Year 12.

Examples of AS/A2 Level Courses offered at North Durham Academy include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Art & Design Biology Business Studies Chemistry English Language English Literature History Information Technology Law Maths Physical Education Physics Spanish Textiles

Full details of the courses and entry criteria can be found in the enclosed Course Guide.

Please note that each year we revise the AS/A2 offer in line with student demand. www.northdurhamacademy.co.uk

achieve

partnership

Vocational Courses Vocational qualifications, such as diplomas, offer students a more practical learning programme that relates directly to specific job roles or sectors. Vocational courses usually take one or two years to complete full-time.

Our lead sponsors have guaranteed all North Durham Academy students a place on their vocational programmes which are offered across a range of levels.

Examples of Vocational Courses offered at New College Durham include: • • • • • • • •

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Engineering Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Health and Social Care Childcare Construction Public Services Information Technology

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | PAGE 5

Choice

In addition, North Durham Academy offers a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business to compliment the academies specialism of Business and Enterprise.

www.northdurhamacademy.co.uk

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | PAGE 6

Guidance 16+ Personal Tutor

Enrichment

All North Durham Academy 16+ student’s have a Personal Tutor, who acts as a guide and mentor for individual students. Personal Tutors liaise with parents/carers and teachers and monitor student attendance, punctuality and academic progress. 16+ students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning and ensure they meet our high expectations. Personal Tutors work with students individually to complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and ensures each student makes the progress expected of them. In addition to the regular one to one meetings with a Personal Tutor, all students will take part in group tutorials which provide advice on career and educational progression, personal development and study skills.

Our Enrichment Programme also offers students opportunities to develop high level independence, skills in serving the community and to experience new situations.

www.northdurhamacademy.co.uk

Students take part in a range of sports, artistic performances and exhibitions, Duke of Edinburgh programmes and Community Sports Leader courses. All enrichment activities are highly valued by higher education providers and employers.

leadership

success

Progression At North Durham Academy we work closely with local and national Higher Education providers to ensure our students gain access to the very best courses and universities in the country. In addition, our lead sponsor New College Durham offers an excellent range of Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), foundation degrees, degrees and professional qualifications with both full-time and part-time study options. For further information visit www.newcollegedurham.ac.uk

North Durham Academy 16+ staff will ensure that students are guided through the university application process, from selecting the right course to support writing the personal statement. We will also help students apply for financial bursaries and scholarships.

We strive to provide students with links to a variety of industries and employers. Our sponsors provide a wealth of contacts and experience which benefit all 16+ students at the Academy.

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | PAGE 9

Support

In the current economic climate we feel that it is vital that students are prepared for the world of work and are able to compete in a very competitive jobs market when they leave us.

www.northdurhamacademy.co.uk

independence

Expectations

16+ Centre

We expect the highest standards from everyone at North Durham Academy. 16+ students are regarded as our ambassadors and viewed as role models by our younger students. We expect our 16+ students to be mature and take a full part in Academy life.

Studying at 16+requires focus, organisation and a commitment to working outside lesson time. We provide special facilities for our students in our 16+ Centre which has an internet cafĂŠ with WiFi access and a study room with ICT facilities. By utilising professional standard equipment and software we are able to equip students for the transition into higher education and work.

At North Durham Academy, 16+ students are not required to wear a uniform but we insist they adhere to a dress code which reflects our high aspirations for them.

However, with greater freedom comes greater responsibility. 16+ students are expected to set high standards of attendance, punctuality and behaviour.

Students often say that the relationship between teachers and staff is more relaxed and friendly and this often helps students to work to the best of their abilities and creates a unique atmosphere in the 16+ Centre.

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | PAGE 11

16+ Life

All 16+ classrooms have data projectors and interactive whiteboards and in addition students have access to a well resourced library with experienced staff to help guide and improve research skills.

www.northdurhamacademy.co.uk

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | PAGE 12

How to Apply To apply for a place at North Durham Academy 16+ students should complete the application form available on our website or in the enclosed 16+ Course Guide.

Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. All applicants will be invited to discuss the course/courses applied for with a senior member of staff to ensure students are selecting the right course/courses.

To help with the process we will also look at recent student reports and the attainment information provided by subject staff.

Any offer of a place at North Durham Academy may well be dependant on students achieving specified GCSE grades.

Please refer to the 16+ Course Guide for further information.

All students offered a place at North Durham Academy will be expected to attend a 16+ Bridging Course in the summer term which will allow students to prepare for life at 16+, meet their Personal Tutor and fellow 16+ students.

New College Durham

QR Codes QR codes are an easy way to get to a website on your phone. All you need to do is download a ‘QR Code Reader’ on your smartphone, then just point your smartphone camera at the barcode and the website will appear on your phone.

On the right are QR codes for North Durham Academy and New College Durham. www.northdurhamacademy.co.uk

North Durham Academy

16+ East Campus Tyne Road, South Stanley, County Durham DH9 6PZ Telephone: 01207 292180 www.northdurhamacademy.co.uk

16+ East Campus

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© Copyright North Durham Academy Every effort was made to ensure that the information in this guide was correct at the time of going to print (December 2011). North Durham Academy reserves the right to amend information at any time.

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Part of New College Durham Academies Trust